And he’s received assurances following Sunderland’s decision to sell keeper Jordan Pickford to Everton for £30m that despite the club’s debts, he will be handed significant transfer funds to rebuild the Black Cats.

Sunderland expect to rake in another £10m plus with Lamine Kone and Fabio Borini likely to follow Pickford through the exit door.

And Bain has told his new manager around £20m of the money made from player sales will be handed over.